Menopause: Through and Beyond

Brenda Bickerstaff
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Menopause: Through & Beyond is for women navigating perimenopause and menopause, the hot flashes, brain fog, weight gain, relationship changes, and many other symptoms nobody quite prepares you for. But also for women who want to embrace change in midlife, through conversations with inspiring women who've done just that: new careers, new focus, new ways of living. Honest, real-world conversations about what's actually happening in your body, and proof that this stage of life can be the start of something, not the end of something. Hosted by nutritionist and menopause coach Brenda Bickerstaff

  1. 6h ago

    58 and Unapologetic: Ageism & Refusing to Shrink as We Age - Jacqueline Freeman

    What happens when women reach their 50s with more experience, knowledge and capability than ever — yet suddenly begin to feel less visible? In this episode of Menopause: Through & Beyond, Brenda sits down with Jacqueline Freeman, the voice behind 58 and Unapologetic, whose conversations about ageism have resonated with women around the world. They explore what ageism really looks like for women over 50, particularly in the workplace, and why decades of experience can suddenly seem to count against us. Jacqueline shares her own experience of redundancy, struggling to re-enter the workforce, and why she believes recruitment systems, AI and long-held assumptions about ageing are shutting capable people out. But the conversation also turns the mirror around. Do women sometimes absorb these messages ourselves? Do we stop putting our hand up, become less visible or start shrinking to fit an outdated idea of what an older woman should be? And if we potentially have another 20 or 30 years ahead of us, what could those years look like if we stopped defining ourselves by what we're supposedly “too old” for? From workplace ageism and confidence to resilience, visibility and starting again, this is a conversation about recognising the value of the years behind us, and refusing to make the years ahead smaller. As Jacqueline says: “60 is the new 60.” Jacqueline Freeman (Guest) - jacqueline@lonewolfmedia.co.nz & Linkedin Brenda Bickerstaff (host) - Simply Nourish

    58 and Unapologetic: Ageism & Refusing to Shrink as We Age - Jacqueline Freeman

  2. Sep 13

    From Burnout to the World’s Best Rosé: Midlife Reinvention with Kim Schofield of Dancing Water Winery

    After burnout, Kim Schofield took an unexpected leap into winemaking, transforming a neglected North Canterbury, New Zealand vineyard into the internationally acclaimed Dancing Water Winery and producing a rosé awarded best in the world. Kim shares her story of midlife reinvention, resilience, imposter syndrome and backing her vision when others doubted her. A powerful reminder that it’s never too late to begin an extraordinary new chapter.Simply Nourish⁠ - my nutrition and menopause coaching practice Dancing Waters Winery - to connect with Kim

    From Burnout to the World’s Best Rosé: Midlife Reinvention with Kim Schofield of Dancing Water Winery

  3. Aug 9

    Alcohol and Menopause | Rethinking Your Relationship With Drinking (With Sarah Rusbatch)

    Maybe you're just a little curious about life without alcohol. Or maybe you're wondering what happens when alcohol quietly becomes more than just a social habit? This episode is not a lecture. It's a conversation about something many women may already be thinking about. In this episode of Menopause: Through & Beyond, I talk with Perth-based, English-born author, coach and founder of The Women's Wellbeing Collective, Sarah Rusbatch. We discuss grey area drinking, the role alcohol can play in women's lives through menopause and beyond, and what can happen when we begin to question our relationship with it. We explore the signs that drinking may no longer be serving us, how alcohol can affect sleep, mood, energy and overall wellbeing, and why choosing to drink less, or not at all, doesn't have to mean missing out. Sarah also shares her own story and the work she now does supporting women to create a life beyond alcohol. A thoughtful, honest conversation about alcohol, menopause, health and what becomes possible when we start making different choices. Want to learn more or just connect? Simply Nourish - my nutrition and menopause coaching practiceSarah Rusbatch - her work supporting women with alcohol-free living

    Alcohol and Menopause | Rethinking Your Relationship With Drinking (With Sarah Rusbatch)

  4. Jul 13

    Menopause Through a Māori Lens | Mana Wāhine, Equity & Ruahinetanga (With Dr Tania Huria)

    Most conversations about menopause focus on symptoms and treatments but what if we viewed this stage of life as a powerful transition into elderhood, wisdom, and leadership? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Tania Huria, from Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa, shares a transformative perspective rooted in Māori culture that challenges the narrative of decline. She reveals how the concept of Rahinetanga embodies growth, wisdom, and visibility, turning menopause into an era of cultural strength. You'll discover how indigenous frameworks like Mana wahine elevate women’s roles beyond aging, reconnecting them to their mana (power) and leadership. We break down innovative models like the Hui process and the Meihana Model, designed to deconstruct systemic inequities, foster reciprocal care, and embed Māori values into health practice. Tania shares how these approaches reshape health conversations, even within the constraints of limited time, emphasizing dignity, connection, and cultural safety. The stakes are clear: without recognising the cultural significance and systemic barriers faced by Wahine Māori, we risk perpetuating invisibility and inequality. But with this shift, there's a profound opportunity to radically improve access, representation, and respect in healthcare. If you're ready to challenge outdated narratives and see menopause as a time of strength and leadership, this conversation is essential listening.  Join us in celebrating Wahine as creators of culture, carriers of knowledge, and leaders in wellbeing.  May the stars of Matariki remind us all that growing older is a gift and a call to lead with courage and care. Simply Nourish - my nutrition and menopause coaching practice Dr Tania Huria - to connect with Tania

    Menopause Through a Māori Lens | Mana Wāhine, Equity & Ruahinetanga (With Dr Tania Huria)

  5. Jun 15

    Solo Travel After 50: How to Start, Stay Safe & Love Every Minute

    Have you ever felt that quiet pull toward adventure — but talked yourself out of it? Too old, too risky, too complicated to go alone? In this episode, Brenda sits down with Gina Cambridge, founder of Wanderlust Solo Women Tours, to explore why solo travel might be one of the most powerful things a midlife woman can do for herself. Together they unpack the fears that hold women back - safety, confidence, not knowing where to start, and replace them with practical wisdom, real stories, and genuine encouragement. Because here's the truth: midlife isn't too late to see the world. For many women, it's actually the perfect time. In this episode: Why solo travel and the midlife transition have more in common than you'd thinkHow to take your first solo trip — even if the idea terrifies youSafety, planning, and building confidence as a solo female travellerHow Wanderlust Solo Women Tours supports women to travel with connection and possibilityIf there's a little voice in you that says what about me now? — this one's for you. Simply Nourish - my nutrition and menopause coaching practice Wanderlust Solo Women Tours - to connect with Gina

    Solo Travel After 50: How to Start, Stay Safe & Love Every Minute

  6. May 10

    Rewrite Your Next Chapter: Confidence, Purpose & Possibility After 50

    In this inspiring episode, Brenda chats with Christine Korako, co-founder of Inspire Me Women, about navigating life after 50. They explore finding your “why,” rebuilding confidence, and embracing change through midlife transitions. With personal insights and real stories, this conversation encourages women to step forward with courage and rediscover what’s possible next. Simply Nourish - my nutrition and menopause practice Christine Korako - to connect with Christine

    Rewrite Your Next Chapter: Confidence, Purpose & Possibility After 50

  7. Apr 12

    Menopause Symptoms & Real-Life Impact | Panel with Dr Victoria Price, Maria Cairns & Julia Burt

    In this episode, I host a panel discussion with menopause GP Dr Victoria Price and two women sharing lived experience, Maria Cairns & Julia Burt. Together we explore the science, symptoms, and real-life impact of menopause, along with practical ways to support health, energy, and wellbeing through midlife. An honest, supportive conversation designed to help women feel informed and empowered through this important life transition. We will have to come back for part 2 as we only just got started! Simply Nourish - my nutrition and menopause practice

    Menopause Symptoms & Real-Life Impact | Panel with Dr Victoria Price, Maria Cairns & Julia Burt

  8. Mar 8

    No Nonsense, All Grit | Kerri Baker's Midlife Body Transformation at 50

    Kerri Baker doesn’t mince words, she’s raw, real, and relentless. From 105kg in 2019 to stepping on the bodybuilding stage at 50, she shares the grit, discipline, sacrifices, and criticism behind her transformation. No shortcuts, just hard work, pride, and a midlife reinvention that proves it’s never too late to chase strength and purpose. Simply Nourish - my nutrition and menopause coaching practice

    No Nonsense, All Grit | Kerri Baker's Midlife Body Transformation at 50
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About

Menopause: Through & Beyond is for women navigating perimenopause and menopause, the hot flashes, brain fog, weight gain, relationship changes, and many other symptoms nobody quite prepares you for. But also for women who want to embrace change in midlife, through conversations with inspiring women who've done just that: new careers, new focus, new ways of living. Honest, real-world conversations about what's actually happening in your body, and proof that this stage of life can be the start of something, not the end of something. Hosted by nutritionist and menopause coach Brenda Bickerstaff

Information

  • Creator
    Brenda Bickerstaff
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Brenda Bickerstaff
  • Show Website
    Menopause: Through and Beyond

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